Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been covering Portland City Hall for the Press Herald since 2012. His beat touches on a wide range of topics, including immigration, homelessness, education, tourism, real estate development and the economy in Maine’s largest city. He has been a Portland-based journalist since 2005. A life-long Mainer who loves the outdoors, Randy is also a bassist who brews his own beer at his North Yarmouth home, where he lives with his wife and two children.
-
PublishedDecember 22, 2015
After 40 years, Portland City Council watchdog says he’s done
Robert Hains tells the council that he’ll ‘try to take up a new hobby,’ and says he’s looking forward to planning his vacations without meetings in mind.
-
PublishedDecember 18, 2015
State clears homeless camps off Interstate 295 as part of brush-removal project
As many as two dozen are dismantled for safety reasons, but advocates say it makes life harder for people who sleep outdoors.
-
PublishedDecember 14, 2015
Grants dry up, strand Portland’s refugee program
The city’s biggest loss is a federal torture survivors grant, which paid for mental health counseling and case managers.
-
PublishedDecember 9, 2015
Two housing projects totaling more than 200 units win approval in Portland
One calls for 63 market rate units at High and York streets; the other would add 150 units of senior housing on Ocean Avenue.
-
PublishedNovember 30, 2015
Portland mayor signs letter to Congress in support of refugees
The message is signed by 62 mayors from 28 states, but Michael Brennan is the only mayor from Maine to sign it.
-
PublishedNovember 23, 2015
Mainers will head to Paris as they push for Obama to make climate deal
For nearly a year, delegates from 195 participating nations have been working on an agreement that’s expected to be adopted during a conference that begins next week.
-
PublishedNovember 23, 2015
Momentum of Maine Green Independent Party wilts amid dissension
Election losses in 2015 expose rifts over strategy and loyalty as factions engage in a tug of war for the soul of the party.
-
PublishedNovember 9, 2015
Portland police still issuing marijuana citations, despite legalization ordinance
The report comes as debate is heating up statewide and nationally about the merits of legalizing pot for recreational use.
-
PublishedOctober 19, 2015
Portland OKs new eligibility guidelines for asylum-seekers
The City Council makes the program as broad as possible despite questions about how the state will implement a new law on General Assistance.
-
PublishedOctober 13, 2015
Candidates divided over Portland mayor’s role as city leader
The three point to differences in style and on issues such as the minimum wage and the handling of assistance to immigrants.
- ← Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- …
- 120
- Next Page →